Keith Olbermann is a sharp-tongued American sports and political commentator, writer, and TV host who’s spent decades calling out the powerful with his signature mix of sarcasm and smarts. From co-anchoring ESPN’s SportsCenter to unleashing rants on MSNBC’s Countdown, he’s built a reputation as a liberal firebrand who doesn’t pull punches—whether it’s slamming conservatives or feuding with media rivals.
Keith Olbermann Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Keith Theodore Olbermann |
| Date of Birth | January 27, 1959 |
| Age | 66 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Sports and Political Commentator, Writer, TV/Radio Host |
| Hometown | New York City, New York, USA (raised in Hastings-on-Hudson) |
| Current Residence | New York City, New York, USA |
| Religion | Raised Unitarian |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Social Media | https://x.com/keitholbermann |
Physical Details
| Height | 6’3″ (191 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 85 kg |
| Hair Color | Gray |
Keith Olbermann Early Life
Keith Olbermann was born on January 27, 1959, in New York City to Marie Katherine Charbonier, a preschool teacher, and Theodore Olbermann, a commercial architect. He grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, Westchester County, in a Unitarian household. He was the older sibling to his sister Jenna, born in 1968.
Of German ancestry, Keith was a baseball-obsessed kid—his mother, a die-hard Yankees fan, helped spark his passion. He even wrote about baseball card collecting as a teenager, a sign of the sharp analytical mind that later made him a media force.
Keith Olbermann Education
Keith skipped a grade and enrolled at Cornell University at the age of 16. While there, he served as sports director for the student radio station WVBR. He graduated in 1979 at just 20 years old with a Bachelor of Science in communication arts from Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His early start and quick finish reflected the ambitious career path that followed.
Keith Olbermann Family Details
Keith Olbermann’s family has mostly stayed private. His father, Theodore, passed away in 2010 due to complications from colon surgery, while his mother, Marie, died earlier. His younger sister, Jenna, remains out of the spotlight.
As for relationships, Keith has been linked to several high-profile figures, including journalists and political personalities. He dated Katy Tur from 2006 to 2009 and was also connected at different times to Laura Ingraham, Kyrsten Sinema, and Olivia Nuzzi. In 2024, his past link to Nuzzi resurfaced during her RFK Jr. scandal. Keith has no children and is currently not known to be partnered, choosing instead to focus on his career.
Keith Olbermann Career Highlights
Keith started out in sports radio during high school, calling games for WHTR. His first big break came when CNN hired him as a sports correspondent in 1981. Through the 1980s, he anchored for WCVB Boston and KCBS Los Angeles, winning three California Associated Press Best Sportscaster awards.
His rise to national fame came at ESPN, where he co-hosted SportsCenter with Dan Patrick from 1992 to 1997. Their witty banter made the show a cultural hit and earned them a Cable ACE Award in 1995.
Olbermann later joined MSNBC to host The Big Show (1997) before moving to Fox Sports Net for The Keith Olbermann Evening News (1998-2001). However, his critical comments about Rupert Murdoch led to his firing.
In 2003, he returned to MSNBC with Countdown with Keith Olbermann, which ran until 2011. His sharp commentary on the Bush administration and conservatives made him a liberal icon, earning three Edward R. Murrow Awards. He later hosted shows on Current TV, ESPN, and GQ’s Resistance.
Since 2022, he has been the voice behind the revived Countdown podcast with iHeartRadio, where he continues blending politics and sports commentary.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| CNN Sports | Sports correspondent (1981) |
| ESPN SportsCenter | Co-anchored with Dan Patrick (1992-1997) |
| MSNBC Countdown | Political commentary show (2003-2011) |
| Current TV | Chief news officer and host (2011-2012) |
| ESPN Return | Hosted Olbermann and SportsCenter (2013-2018) |
| Podcast Relaunch | Countdown with Keith Olbermann on iHeartRadio (2022–present) |
Keith Olbermann Net Worth and Income
| Category | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $25 million |
| Annual Income | $1–2 million (podcast, residuals, books) |
| Income Sources | Podcast sponsorships, TV salaries, book royalties, speaking engagements |
Keith’s wealth was built on ESPN and MSNBC salaries, royalties from books, and podcast revenue. His move into digital platforms has kept him both relevant and financially secure.
Keith Olbermann Controversies
Keith Olbermann’s career has been filled with headline-making controversies. He was suspended from MSNBC in 2010 for donating to Democratic campaigns without approval, though he returned after two days. At Current TV, contract disputes in 2012 led to his firing and lawsuits.
His sharp tongue has sparked feuds with media rivals, including Bill O’Reilly, and he was suspended from ESPN in 2015 for mocking Penn State students online during a charity event. In 2024, his past relationship with Olivia Nuzzi resurfaced during her RFK Jr. scandal, adding new buzz around his name. Critics often call him too extreme, while fans see him as unapologetically bold.
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